Modern classical and avant garde concert music of the 20th and 21st centuries forms the primary focus of this blog. It is hoped that through the discussions a picture will emerge of modern music, its heritage, and what it means for us.

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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Nicolay Medtner, Complete Piano Sonatas 2, Paul Stewart

Russian composer Nicolay Medtner (1880-1951), so the liner notes to his Complete Piano Sonatas 2 (Grand Piano 618) tell us, is more important, much more so than his reception in the West has recognized. Indeed, so the notes say, the "14 piano sonatas are considered among the most significant achievement[s] in this genre by any composer since Beethoven." Perhaps partly because the second volume contains only three sonatas, and mostly earlier ones, my ears have not quite confirmed this level of excellence as of yet.

The "Sonata-Idyll in G Major, Op. 56" (1935-37) is most striking, for sure, a kind of link between Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev or Shostakovich. And the final movement of "Sonata-Szazka in C Minor, Op. 25" (1910-11) is rather profound. The rest of that sonata and the "Sonata-Triad, Op. 11" (1904-08) strike me as very inventive, but rather what one might expect of a late romantic Russian composer of genuine talent, not quite at the level of a Beethoven.

These sorts of comparisons by rank may not be entirely necessary in the end. We listen and get what we will out of any work. If the volume 2 of complete Medtner sonatas in the end does not bear comparison to Beethoven to my mind, it does tell me that he belongs in the highest ranks of 20th century Russian composers for the piano. The music is highly lyrical, not at all modernistic in the widest sense, but very idiomatically pianistic and delightful to hear.

Paul Stewart has a poetic sensibility that seems perfect for these works. His technique, though considerable, is not worn on his sleeve but instead directed toward the most musical of readings. I recommend this volume to you and look forward to new installments. Medtner is Medtner and how ever that stacks up, this is very worthwhile piano music.

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About the Blog

Grego Applegate Edwards's Classical-Modern Music Review blogsite covers recent releases or re-issues of recordings that feature classical and concert music, primarily of the 20th and 21st Centuries, but earlier music as well when warranted. All styles of relevance will be addressed from Late-Romantic and Neo-Romantic through High-Modern, Avant Garde and Post-Modern styles. Chamber music, orchestral, choral, operatic, and electronic forms will be considered as well as music that combines a classical element with one or more other stylistic elements. Earlier periods will get coverage when a release has something to say to us. Both established and unfamiliar composers will get attention. All content copyright 2007-17 by Grego Applegate Edwards.

About Me

I am a life-long writer, musician, composer and editor. I wrote for Cadence for many years, a periodical covering jazz and improv music. My combined Blogspot blogs (as listed in the links) now cover well over 3,000 recordings in review. It's been a labor of love. The music is chosen because I like it, for the most part, so you won't find a great deal of nastiness here. I have no affiliations and gain nothing from liking what I do, so that makes me somewhat impartial. I do happen to like a set of certain musics done well, so it's not everything released that gets coverage on these blogs. I have eleven volumes of compositions available on amazon.com. Just type in "Grego Applegate Edwards" to find them. (But one is under "Gregory Applegate Edwards.") I went to music and higher education schools and got degrees. It changed my life and gave me the ability to think and write better. I've studied with master musicians, too. The benefits I gained from them are invaluable. I appreciate my readers. You are why I write these reviews. I hope the joy of music enriches your life like it does mine. Thank you. And thank you to all the artists that make it possible.